A pair of Régence style ormolu four-light candelabra, after a model attributed to André-Charles Boulle second half 19th century, both stamped JB

the central stem cast with acanthus, scrolling foliage, strapwork and bearded masks, issuing a central baluster-shaped arm and three ribbon-tied branch-form arms decorated with acanthus and foliage, the arms surmounted with a foliate-cast drip pans and bobeches, the tripod base cast with masks and mounted with seated figures of putti, raised on scrolled feet cast with acanthus. 

Collection of Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild (1836-1905), Vienna
Collection of Baron Alphonse de Rothschild (1878-1942), Vienna
Rosenberg & Stiebel, New York, 1948 (consigned by Baroness Alphonse de Rothschild (Clarice de Rothschild) and purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Antenor Patiño)
Sotheby's New York, The Patiño Collection, November 1, 1986, lot 25

With scattered rubbing, traces of surface dirt and oxidation; not extensive. In otherwise good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The stamp JB found on these candelabra is the mark of an unknown bronzier active in the second half of the nineteenth century. He appears to have specialized in the reproduction of ormolu objects primarily in the Louis XIV, Régence, Louis XV and XVI styles. Whether his intention was to deceive clients or simply to make bona fide copies is unclear, but the high quality of the casting and chasing certainly suggests that he was an experienced and skillfull craftsman. Gilt bronze objects stamped JB recently sold include a pair of ormolu-mounted porphyry cassolettes, sold Christie's New York, June 9, 2009, lot 247, a pair of ormolu four-branch wall appliques, sold Christie's London, May 1, 2003, lot 202 and a pair of Régence style ormolu chenets (with partially rubbed stamp), sold Sotheby's New York, May 8, 2009, lot 18.